The North Canterbury region is well catered for with a mix of hospitality from takeaways to bars, cafes and restaurants. Despite numerous hospitality ventures opening in recent times in the Waimakariri District, many opportunities still abound.

HOSPITALITY OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTH CANTERBURY

Good Street Deli

12, May 2016

North Canterbury has a population of over 70,000 people. The majority of these live in the Waimakariri District with a smaller number in the Hurunui.

However, for hospitality businesses the catchment is even greater than the North Canterbury area. The region also attracts a large number of visitors from Christchurch and further afield. There are over 600 events a year, including ones like Muscle Car Madness and the Swannanoa Country Fair which attract 20,000 and 10,000 visitors respectively every year. In 2017, the estimated domestic tourist spend in the Waimakariri District (including visitors from Christchurch) was $128 million, with international tourists contributing an additional $20 million.

Residents of the Waimakariri District enjoy a relatively high level of disposable income compared to Canterbury and New Zealand as a whole. The district has one of the highest rates of home ownership in the country, low unemployment and a growing number of households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 a year.

If you’re thinking of setting up a café, restaurant or other hospitality business in the area, get in touch with Enterprise North Canterbury for information and resources on potential locations, premises and relevant contacts in the area.

PITA PIT IS ON A ROLL

Keeping things local has worked out well for first-time franchisees Gemma & Matt. From recruiting staff to developing their Pita Pit business and attracting customers, the whole process has been stress-free.